Improvement in mail-bag dischargers



A. J. HARPER.

.MAIL-BAG DISCHARGER.

Patented July 11. 1875.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

ALEXANDER J. HARPER, OF HARPEESFIELD, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN MAIL-BAG mscHAReels.

{Specification forming part ofLetters Patent No. 179,787, dated July 1l, 1876; application tiled May 9, 1576.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALEXANDER J. HAR- PER, of Harperstield, in the county of Ashtabula and State ot' Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Mail- Bag Dischargers; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description ofthe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use it, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, whichA form part of this specication.

My invention relates to improvements in mail-bag dischargers 5 and consists in the combination of devices and appliances hereinafter specified and claimed.

In the drawing, Figure l is a longitudinal vertical section ot' my improved mail-bag discharger. Fig. 2 represents a car and my mail-bag discharger in use, and shows the mechanism also that is attached to the car. Fig. 3 represents the discharger turned out ot' the way.

A is an upright; B, an arm projecting out from the top ot'it; C, a platform upon which the mail-bag rests; D, a strong spring or springs depending from the arm B down to the platform C. D1 is a hanger'projectin g below the platform C. E is a catch, the upper edge of which, after the spring has been retracted, prevents its return until the passage ot' the train. The bottom of this catch E rests at the same time in front of a shoulder, F', on the trip-rod F. G is a chain or cable, which may be attached to the springs to re tract them by means of windlass-gear H. I is a car. J is a trip, that may be swung around into a position to strike the trip-rod F when the train passes the inail-bag discharger. v

The operation of the device is as follows: The chain G is attached to the spring D,vand by turning the windlass H the spring is retracted until the stud D2 passesover the catch E. The'spring is then released, and the lower part of the catch E is prevented from yielding by the shoulder F on the triprod F. The mail-bag is then placed, as indicated, in front of the spring D upon the platform O. -The mail-agent upon the car then, as he approaches the station, with his foot turns out the trip J, so that in passing it will strike the trip-rod F. When the car, in passing the mail-bag dischargers, trips the rod F,

.the catch E is released from the shoulder F;

this releases the spring C, which impels the mailbag into the cam I prefer to make the springs, substantially as shown in the drawings, ot a number of steel rods, though I do not limit myself' to this construction, as any suitable spring will answer the purpose. Neither do I limit myself to a spring that shall depend from Aan arm, B 5 but the spring may be retained in any suitable manner, so that after it has been recoiled and abag placed in front of it on the platform O, the spring will, when released, react against the mailbag and impel it into the car. So, also, l do not limitmyself to any particular kind ot' crank and gear by which to retract the spring. Any suitable mechanism may be employed for that purpose. I prefer to make this mail-bag discharger so as to be readily turned away from proximity to the track when not in use. I, therefore, generally make the upright A to turn upon its own axis. I support it by a collar, K', which is attached to the upright K, and the wedge-block L may serve to hold the uprights in position when ready for use, or hold it in place when turned out of position. For convenience I generally fasten the wedge-block L to the uprights by a chain, L.

I do not limit myself to any particular kind of trip for employment on the car. Any suit# able device that may project from the car so as to strike the trip-rod F will answer the purpose. The one shown, however, at J is very convenient, as it may readily. be thrown in or out of place by the foot.

What l claim isl. rEhe mail-bag discharger, consisting of the combination, with a inail-bag` support, O,

of a spring, D, and mechanism for retracting the said spring, and yreleasing mechanism, whereby a projection from the passing train may release the said spring and impel the mailbag into the car, substantially as described.

2. The mail-bag discharger, consisting ot the combination, with the platform O and spring D, ot catch E and trip-rod F, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. The combination7 in a mail-bag disclmrgrod F with the shoulder F and trip J, subel, of a mail-bag support and spring` for impelstantially as and for the purpose described. 'ling the mail-bag into the car. and mccban- In testimony whereof I have signed my ism Gr H for recoiling the said spring, sub name to this specification in the presence of stantially as described. two subscribing witnesses.

4. The combination, with Jche upright adjusted to turn upon its axis, of the support; K ALEXANDER J' HARPER' and removable wedge L, substantially as and Witnesses: for the purpose described.

FRANoIs ToUMEY, 5. The combination of the catch E and trip JAMES I. WALSH. 

